November is all about amplifying the voices of those connected to adoption and educating others on its nuances and necessity. At Spence-Chapin, we believe it’s important to seek out voices in the adoption constellation that have yet to be heard, and share resources so we can all better understand the nuanced perspectives of everyone connected to adoption.
That’s why this year, in honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, we’ve created a list of adoption book recommendations to share with you all—and for you to share with your own communities. We are also hosting a special edition of Stories of Adoption, featuring a panel of adoptees and a book signing. Join us as we embark on a month of learning, growth, and community building.
Written by Mei-Ling Hopgood
“Lucky Girl tells the story of an intercountry Chinese adoptee and explores relationships, reunion, identity, and belonging. This was the first book I ever read written by an adoptee reflecting on their ever-changing relationship with their story. It was inspiring to read Mei Ling’s story and to feel the instant connection I had to her experience. This is a story to resonate with all people, adopted or not, and especially those who are closely connected to adoption.”
— Jessica Luciere, Adoptee Advocate and Associate Director of Family & Community Support
By Elena S Hall
“As a therapist, this is one of my go-to books to recommend to parents asking the question, “How do I talk to my kids about the joys and the losses in adoption?” Many kids books about adoption get caught up in the story and miss this both/and concept. This book outlines the nuances in a simple and adorable way. It’s perfect for young children to read with their parents, and speaks to the universal, complex emotions adoptees can experience.”
— Christine Tangel, LCSW, Senior Director of Family & Community Support
By Angela Tucker
“I appreciate her giving words to the transracial adoptee experience. For many of us, we walk through the world without mirrors of ourselves, including our adoptee identity. Tucker does a beautiful job of writing out her experiences from micro- to marco- aggressions from “well-meaning” people. This book gives a well in-depth look into what it means to be grateful and how adoption affects the adopted person. ”
— Rebecca Fiore, Adoptee Advocate and Manager of Family & Community Support
Written by Florencia Lalor, Belén López Medus, and María Casabal
Illustrated by Fátima Yedro
“This book tells an adoption story written by an adoptee, showing three perspectives, that of the biological mother, adoptive mother and the child. This book tells an emotional and thoughtful story about love, loss, celebration and reflection. As an adopted person, reading these heartfelt stories with beautiful images to accompany them was deeply moving. Florencia tells these stories in a thoughtful and moving way, that only an adoptee can. Ojos Color Cafe/Hazel Eyes is a book that all adoptive families should add to their bookshelves and make regular reading of.”
— Jessica Luciere, Adoptee Advocate and Associate Director of Family & Community Support
Written by Hoda Kotb
Illustrated by Suzie Mason
“I like this children’s book because it speaks to how many parents feel, whether they are adoptive or biological. It’s expansive in its potential audience and does a beautiful job reinforcing how loved and wanted a child is, no matter where they came from. I like how simple and sweet the story is, so it works for all ages and genders. It’s a great gift for new parents or kids in your life.”
— Christine Tangel, LCSW, Senior Director of Family & Community Support
By Martha Heck Ulman
“The book that continues to impress and inspire me each time I read it is Martha Ulman’s A Power for Good: Clara B. Spence. At Spence-Chapin, we always knew that Clara B. Spence, our co-founder, was a remarkable person, but perhaps did not fully appreciate until this book how much of a true visionary she was, and the lasting ways in which she impacted our country’s approach to adoption and especially to the protection, care, and education of children. Martha Ulman, an erudite historian and author, who was also the granddaughter of Clara Spence and honorary Board Director at Spence-Chapin until her passing in 2022, does more than just present us with a biography—she takes us along on a vivid and powerful journey through the Gilded Age in New York City, highlighting at every turn its deep seated challenges, and incredible potential for good.”
Due to the generosity of The Ulman Family, proceeds from the sale of A Power for Good will go to support the work of Spence-Chapin.
— Kate Trambitskaya, CEO of Spence-Chapin
By Stefanie Altman, Claire Altman and Stan Altman
“As a therapist, this is one of my go-to books to recommend to parents asking the question, “How to I talk to my kids about the joys and the losses in adoption?” Many kids books about adoption get caught up in the story and miss this both/and concept. This book outlines the nuances in a simple and adorable way. It’s perfect for young children to read with their parents, and speaks to the universal, complex emotions adoptees can experience.”
— Christine Goffredo Pohl, Chief Communications Officer
Written by Jade Amez
Illustrated by Meg Rafferty
“Seeing a children’s book speak so openly about the duality of being an adopted person is a rarity! Amez’s book highlights the many places we can be from and how we interact with those places. Amez shares her experiences of being in reunion with her homeland and family. This is a great read for those wondering how to talk to kids about the complexities of their histories through places.”
— Rebecca Fiore, Adoptee Advocate and Manager of Family & Community Support
By Sarah Saffian
“I recommend Ithaka: A Daughter’s Memoir of Being Found, by Sarah Saffian, for adult adoptees, birth parents, adoptive families and anyone working in this field. It is a personal account of the writer’s thoughtful and painful journey to understand her deep emotions and beliefs about who she is. It will surely touch the reader who will connect and identify with her struggle.”
— Leslie Nobel, Associate Director of Birth & Expectant Parent Services
Shop our Holiday Angels online collection or purchase a Share & Care Box—a thoughtful gift for little ones ages 0–4. Each box includes clothing, accessories, and toys, with 100% of proceeds supporting Spence-Chapin’s free services for birth and expectant parents in need.
The Holiday Angels Program matches donor families with families in need to provide gifts and essentials for the holiday season. Participants can shop for wish list items or make a financial contribution, helping bring joy to families across New York, New Jersey, and Arizona.
By making a one-time or recurring donation, you can support all of Spence-Chapin’s programs and services. Your generosity helps create a lasting impact, providing vital resources and care to the families and children we serve.
Sunday, November 2nd
Cheer on You Gotta Believe at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! They will be running to raise awarness and funds for older youth in foster care.
Tuesdays in November
NJ ARCH is hosting a virtual storytime featuring books with adoption themes in honor of National Adoption Awareness Month!
November 2nd -5th
The annual Adoptee Film Fest is a must-see event in New York City. It features all adoptee filmmakers telling adoptee stories.
Saturday, November 8th
This virtual conference, hosted by Melissa Guida-Richards, is a great place to further your adoption education and hear from diverse voices across the adoption constellation.
Saturday, November 15th
This is a special adoptee friendsgiving hosted by Also-Known-As, a community group for adoptees in NYC.
開放式收養畀出生父母有機會同收養家庭保持聯絡。. The level of contact varies, from sharing letters and emails to phone calls, photos, or in-person visits.
Research consistently supports the positive impact that openness in adoption can have on long-term emotional well-being, relationship satisfaction, and overall mental health. You can learn more about the importance of open adoption 呢度.
When birth mom Noelle discovered she was pregnant at 19, an open adoption felt like the right choice for her.
Search & Reunion is a process by which adopted people who have had little to no contact with their biological family members seek information about them, and sometimes wish to establish a connection.
This process can take a lot of time and emotional energy, and has a variety of outcomes for adopted people. Their stories range from incredibly heartwarming and inspiring to disappointing and traumatic.
For Damon Davis, the desire to search for his biological family began with the birth of his own son.
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